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Santi Cazorla says Arsenal need a much better start to the Premier League season

Santi Cazorla says Arsenal need a much better start to the Premier League season

Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla believes his side must be more consistent if they are to challenge for the Premier League title this season.

The Gunners finished 12 points adrift of champions Chelsea last term and have a win and a defeat from their opening two games.

Arsenal lost their Premier League opener against West Ham, but beat Crystal Palace last weekend at Selhurst Park and Cazorla wants the players to go on a winning run, starting with Liverpool on Monday Night Football.

Speaking to Gillette Soccer Saturday, he said: "We want to be more consistent in every game sometimes we can lose, like the first game, always football is surprising, like Chelsea's first game against Swansea.

"We need to be more patient with the ball, side to side, and then play quick.

"We have to defend together because sometimes for other teams it is easy to play against us, because they have space to counter attack and this is difficult for us - we need to improve this part.

"It is a long season and of course Man United, City, Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham, they are very good teams, and Arsenal of course also.

"We want to improve this year and fight with them and of course we can win the league."

Arsenal won just two of their first eight games last season and Cazorla admits they must be better this year if they are to win their first title since 2003-04.

"We lost so many points and after it was difficult to fight with Chelsea and Man City for the title and this year we want to start better than last year," he added.

Petr Cech is beaten to the ball as Cheikhou Kouyate scores West Ham's opening goal at the Emirates

Arsenal's summer signing Petr Cech came under fire for his debut performance against West Ham, but Cazorla has backed the ex-Chelsea man to play a key role this season.